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RICHMOND, Va., June 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Just in time for Father’s Day, a new national survey shows 52 percent of dads prefer an electronics gift for their big day, easily outnumbering dads who want clothing (16 percent), sports gear (13 percent), or a vacation trip (9 percent). Only eight percent of dads said they don’t want a Father’s Day gift.
The survey, commissioned by electronics retailer Circuit City, also found that 75 percent of American dads feel that GPS navigation would be somewhat or very important to improve the quality of a family road trip this summer. Among electronics, only the ever-present cell phone rated higher, at 93 percent.
With gasoline prices hitting record levels, GPS navigation systems not only can help avoid wasting precious fuel by guiding motorists on the most efficient route, newer units also include features such as real-time weather and traffic alerts, alternate routes, and can even list gasoline prices at nearby service stations.
GPS navigation systems start at less than $200 and come preloaded with nationwide maps and millions of points of interest. Models with traffic alert and other advanced features start at less than $400. All include audio directions, which allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road. Circuit City stores carry models from major brands including Garmin, Magellan, Mio, Sony and TomTom, with a wider selection available at .
According to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), Americans will spend more than $12.8 billion on in-car electronics in 2008. CEA research also reveals the typical American spends 17 hours per week in his or her vehicle.
“There’s no doubt about it, enhanced electronics are now an essential part of the American automotive experience,” said Irynne MacKay, Circuit City’s senior vice president and general merchandise manager for entertainment and mobile products. “Dads and moms count on electronics not only to help them find their way, but also to entertain the family on a trip.”
Additional results from the Circuit City survey:
— 30 percent of dads rated portable DVD players as “very important” for a
family road trip (25 percent rated built-in DVD as “very important”)
— 27 percent of dads rated laptop computer as “very important” for the
road trip
— 24 percent rated an MP3 player “very important” for the trip
— 23 percent rated handheld games “very important” for the trip
— 20 percent said upgraded car stereo would be “very important” for the
trip
More than 4,100 dads responded to the survey, which was conducted for Circuit City by independent research firm Decision Analyst, Inc. of Arlington, TX. The survey’s margin of error is plus or minus two percentage points.
firedog(SM) Automotive Services:
With more than 25 years in the car electronics business, Circuit City’s firedog automotive technicians perform more than 2 million installations every year. Same day installation is usually available and services are guaranteed. Learn more at .
Digital Photography Demo Day:
As planning for summer vacations kicks into high gear, Circuit City stores nationwide will host special demonstrations of the latest in digital photography. Every thirty minutes from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, June 8, customers can see free demonstrations of features including face detection, smile detection, image stabilization and high power optical zoom.
About Circuit City Stores, Inc.
Circuit City Stores, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics and related services. The domestic segment operates through 686 Superstores and 11 other locations in 158 U.S. markets. The international segment operates through approximately 800 retail stores and dealer outlets in Canada. Circuit City also operates Web sites at , and .
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Circuit City Stores, Inc.
